Sun Damage – Can Antioxidants Save Your Skin?
Antioxidants have the ability to fight ‘free radicals’ which can can damage the skin’s DNA. This sounds like a great idea – so is it possible that they could they save your skin?
Firstly, it helps to understand the role of antioxidants in combating free radicals.
Free radicals work by trying to grab an extra electron from atoms in the skin. Removing an atom from skin molecules causes fundamental damage to DNA and this can accelerate the skin’s ageing processes, as well as potentially increasing the risk of cancerous cells forming.
It has been proven in tests that a combination of oral and topical antioxidants could potentially inhibit UV radiation and prevent skin damage.
Antioxidants have therefore become a popular addition to sunscreens and skin creams, especially the premium brands.
However, it is important to note that once the skin damage has appeared, dosing on vitamin C and E is unlikely to reverse the damage (apart from that antioxidants and sun protection can help to protect the skin from further premature ageing).
For patients who are concerned about seeing the impact of sun exposure and worry about potentially cancerous skin lesions, it is important to seek attention as early as possible.
Dr Ross Perry, founder of Skin Surgery & Laser Clinics based in London and Bristol, says:
“If in doubt, get it checked out.”
Sunscreen for ongoing protection is always valuable, but it is essential to diagnose and remove any worrying lesions as early as possible.
Sun Protection
As is so often the case, prevention is better than cure. Experts recommend:
- Broad spectrum sunscreen minimum SPF30
- Wear sunscreen EVERY DAY of the year as UVA rays can penetrate cloud and cause ageing and skin damage
- Limit sun exposure especially between the peak hours of 11-3pm
- Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply regularly if out in the sun
- Don’t forget clothing, sunglasses and hats can also be used to cover up
- Seek the shade where possible, but you will still need sunscreen as the sun’s rays can reflect
Skin Surgery Laser Clinics
Dr Ross Perry is a qualified and experienced London GP, who founded Cosmedics Skin Clinics in 2003, an independent company specialising in skin treatments such as removal of lesions/blemishes.
Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.
Our team of qualified and experienced doctors and surgeons also treat other skin blemishes, including sebaceous cysts, skin tags, warts and lipoma using freezing, laser or surgical techniques.
For ultimate peace of mind, Cosmedics Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer a thorough top to toe mole check carried out by their trained and experienced doctors.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.